The American School System: A Comprehensive Analysis of Educational Models and Inequality Issues

This presentation provides a systematic analysis of the structure and types of schools in the United States, examining the historical development, current trends, and social implications of the American educational system.
Key Analytical Focus Areas:

Structural Organization of U.S. Education:

Decentralized system: federal, state, and local control

Funding mechanisms and disparities between districts

Standardized testing culture (SAT, ACT, state exams)

Types of Schools - Comparative Analysis:

Public Schools: Traditional neighborhood schools, magnet schools, charter schools

Private Institutions: Parochial schools, independent schools, boarding schools

Alternative Models: Homeschooling, virtual schools, early college high schools

Inequality and Access Issues:

Achievement gap across racial and socioeconomic lines

School segregation: de facto and structural

Opportunity hoarding in affluent districts

Funding inequities based on property taxes

Innovative Approaches and Reforms:

STEM-focused schools and career academies

Montessori and progressive education models

Community schools with wrap-around services

Bilingual and immersion programs

Current Challenges and Future Directions:

Impact of COVID-19 on educational inequality

School choice movement and voucher systems

Teacher shortages and retention crises

Technology integration and digital divide

The presentation concludes with an assessment of how different school types contribute to social mobility or reproduce existing inequalities, offering insights into the complex relationship between education and the American dream.

1. Kindergarten The first year of elementary education is called kindergarten. Although it would be more correct to call it year zero. The word itself translates as "kindergarten", but it is more like a preparatory class. They are held at schools, and American children attend them regularly for a full school day. It usually lasts four hours, from 8:30 to 1:30 pm. In such "kindergartens" children spend only one year. Here, the program is already more serious than in preschool education and prepares them to enter elementary school.

2. Elementary school / Primary School After kindergarten, children finally enter primary / elementary school. It lasts from the first to the sixth grade. During this period all subjects are taught by one teacher. The main subjects are English, math, geography, history and science. Well-funded schools hire separate teachers for music, art or foreign languages. On average, children stay in school until 6-7 pm. They study extra or do homework in the after-school program. The grading system in the first two years is very simple: E (excellent); S (satisfactory); N (needs improvement); U (unsatisfactory).

3. Middle school U.S. high schools are taught by a variety of teachers, all of whom are experts in their subject. The emphasis is on English, science, and math. These three subjects plus history and sports are compulsory. But students choose their own level: basic or advanced. The latter is for those who want to study subjects in depth. Also all students must take 1-2 additional disciplines. They can be very different: from debate to STEM. That is why there are no permanent classes in American schools - all students "mix" because of individual schedules. Tests and controls are conducted regularly. They determine the student's final grade for the entire time of study in high school. There are no final exams here. It is enough to have "satisfactory" in all subjects.

4. High school High school is the last stage of secondary education in the United States, lasting from ninth to twelfth grade, so typically Americans finish their high school education at age 18. In high school, students can choose subjects more freely than in middle school and must fulfil only the minimum criteria for graduation, which are set by the school board.

5. Community College Those who have completed secondary education can enrol in community colleges. In statistical materials such educational institutions are called two-year colleges, other names are also common: community college, junior college, technical college or city college. After two years of study, these educational institutions issue a degree (associate's degree). But in contrast to the Russian Federation, where you can start studying in such an institution after 9th grade, you can enter a college in the USA only after receiving a full secondary education.

6. Colleges/Universities Another possibility to continue studying is to enter colleges or universities, where one receives, usually in four years, a bachelor's degree. Those who earn a bachelor's degree can study further to earn a master's degree (2-3 years) or a Ph.D. (3 years or more). Separately accredited faculties and universities (graduate schools), which require special training at the bachelor's level for admission, grant Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Law degrees.

7. Universities Universities in the United States are institutions of higher education that offer educational programs at various levels. They also provide opportunities for research and participation in a variety of student activities. Universities in the United States are among the most prestigious and innovative educational institutions in the world. They offer high quality education, extensive research opportunities and a flexible approach to learning. Thanks to this, American universities attract students from all over the world, including Russia, and play an important role in the development of international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

8. Undergraduate level Undergraduate level is the first level of higher education in the United States, which takes four to six years to complete and leads to a bachelor's degree. At this level, students study general education courses and also choose to specialize in a particular field of study.The Bachelor's degree is an important level of education that provides students with the information and skills necessary to excel in their future careers or to pursue graduate studies.

9. С ommunity colleges Сommunity colleges in the United States are two-year public institutions that offer a variety of educational programs, including associate degrees, certificate programs, and workforce training. These colleges are often more affordable than four-year universities and are open to all students, regardless of academic background or previous education. Overall, community colleges play a crucial role in providing accessible and affordable higher education to a diverse range of students in the United States.

10. Four-year colleges Four-year colleges in the United States are higher education institutions that offer bachelor's degrees in a wide range of academic disciplines. These colleges typically have a more comprehensive and specialized curriculum compared to community colleges, and they also often offer graduate programs for students pursuing advanced degrees. Four-year colleges can be public or private, and they often have higher tuition costs compared to community colleges. However, they also offer a wider range of resources and facilities, including research opportunities, study abroad programs, and state-of-the-art campus amenities.

11. Bachelor’s Degree  In the USA, a Bachelor's Degree is an educational degree that students obtain after completing four years of university education. The education includes studying a wide range of subjects during the first two years, and then students choose their major specialization to study during the last two years. Obtaining a bachelor's degree opens doors to many career growth opportunities, and many employers prefer to hire candidates with this degree.

12. Graduate level A master's degree is a program of study at a university or college that typically lasts 1-2 years and leads to the attainment of a master's degree. During their studies, students deepen their knowledge in a specific area and develop specialized skills. Master's programs can be academic, research-based, or professional, depending on the specific field of study. Students with a master's degree usually have more opportunities for employment and can qualify for higher-paying positions than those with only a bachelor's degree. Master's programs can also serve as preparation for further study at the doctoral level.

13. How to get PhD?

14. Advantages and Disadvantages American education Disadvantages A dvantages 1 . Flexibility 2. Advanced 3. Research Active 4. Engagement Career 5. Opportunities 1. High Costs 2. Inequality 3. Focus on Testing

15. Thank you for your attention!